Google recently announced the launch of Android Instant Apps, a new technology which allows just the bare minumum of an App to be downloaded from links, bypassing the Play Store. This sounds cool enough on its own, but the implications of this reach far deeper than at first appears, and could end up changing the entire internet.
Clarion AX1
- Carl Whalley 0 Comments
There's no shortage now of Android based car infotainment systems, and Clarion, the people behind the Mirage range, have recently announced the AX1.
Supporting pretty much every Android feature you'd expect from a regular device, such as apps, downloads, phone calls via Bluetooth etc, the system is safety-conscious too, so for example certain operations such as watching video can only be performed whilst the handbrake is on.
Also unique to the device is the ifogo online music store, which can manage your music catalog and buy downloads, set playlists etc. The infogo "App Garage" also downloads updates to the system automatically the same way phone manufacturers do for their handsets.
T.K.Tan, Managing Director of Clarion Malaysia, said "Unlike smart phones or tablets, this device is a full automotive grade connected car stereo. It is certified to be safe for use in your car".
Have a break ... have a KitKat!
- Carl Whalley 0 Comments
In a very welcome, but rather surprising move, Google announced the next version of Android is to be called ... KitKat! This is of course in keeping with the sweet-tooth themed naming party going right back to Android 1.5 Cupake. It's surprising because although everyone knew it would begin with the letter "K", the popular vibe had it named as "Key Lime Pie". The story goes some Googlers saw a 4 fingered bar in a fridge deep in the Googleplex and, well one thing led to another. It's kinda neat too since the next expected version is 4.4, and that's a nice tie-in with the bar itself.
Nestle, the massive confectionery giant owners of the KitKat brand, are totally behind the move and are planning future marketing initiatives around the Android theme. These are said to include prizes, special edition bars and various other goodies. In fact the deal suits both Android and Google so well that apparently no money changed hands either way for this venture.
Google Play downloads overtake Apples App Store
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Overtaken Apple
It's been long coming, but the moment all Android fans have been waiting for is finally here! USA Today reported the total number of app downloads for the second quarter of 2013 for the biggest two app stores - Googles' and Apples'. Up until now it's always been dominated by Apple, but that's all changed now as Google leapfrogged it for the first time. And (blush!) it's so nice being able to say told you so!
In fact the margin is an impressive 10%, which bears out the recent market share stats showing Apple dropping to 13% of the smartphone market share over the same period whilst Android rose to almost 80%.
While the U.S. spends the most money on apps overall, Japan and South Korea contributed the most to Google Play’s revenue. Android has been highly successful in emerging markets - the trend can be see in the top five revenue generating apps for Google Play as four out of five are from either South Korea or Japan.
Amplify in huge Android schools tablet deal
- Carl Whalley 0 Comments
Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation is behind Amplify, a company which sees a bright future for tablet-based education systems. It so believes in this that its just launched its first one, a 10-inch device running a modified version of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It's not clear who manufactures the device but a strong hint is given on the Amplify website where it says it is: "similar to an Asus MeMo Pad ME310T". The plan is to provide both the hardware and software of the future, and since the standard Google apps such as Chrme, GMail, Calendar, Google+, Hangouts etc, Google are keen to play their part in this rapidly growing market.
Samsung Galaxy S3 outsells iPhone 5 for 7th month running
- Super User 0 Comments
Easily the front runner for the number 1 phone this Christmas, the Samsung Galaxy S3 has outsold the iPhone 5 for a seventh consecutive month, causing untold champagne corks to go flying round various flash offices in South Korea. uSwitch have released these latest figures based on live searches, pre-orders and pay-monthly sales. They have found the older S2 model still remains the UK's fourth best selling handset.
It's no surprise the S3 is doing so well, but it had better watch out - the LG Nexus 4 is no slouch either, having sold out within 30 minutes of launch.
Android powers Google past Microsoft to become worlds second most valuable company
- Super User 0 Comments
Champage corks were popping in Mountain View on Oct 1st as Google passed Microsoft to become the worlds second most valuable company - largely due to Android. Googles' stock rose 1 per cent finishing in New York with a share worth of $761.78 (£471.34) translating into a total market capitalisation value of nearly $250 billion (around £155bn). On the same day, Microsoft fell 1 per cent, closing out business at $29.49 (£18.25) with a lesser valuation of $247.2 billion (£152.9bn). It hasn't been reported what happened to the stock of any office furniture repair businesses in Redmond.
Amazon's Cloud Player comes to the UK
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Amazon Cloud Music
Pawn to Kings Bishop four. At least, that's how industry observers see the relentless march of the mighty Amazon and its various hardware/software/online activities. This time we see the Cloud Player coming to the UK, the software which has been available to the US on Android, iOS, macs and PCs for some time now. With the free versions, imaginatively called Cloud Player Free, you can store 250 music tracks for, err, free. From then on its a not-too-bad £21.99 per year.
Check out the full details at www.amazon.co.uk/cloudplayer.
Droid World track comes to Apps World
- Bill Damage 0 Comments
All eyes in the mobile industry turn to Earls Court, London again this year as Apps World promises to be bigger and better than ever for its 3rd annual outing on 2nd/3rd October. Whilst covering all the major platforms, Android fans are promised a special treat with the launch of the Droid World track. This is a free to attend, 2 day workshop where leading Android developers, authors, technical evangelists, brands, handset manufacturers and operators will be delivering valuable developer advice and ideas around the world’s most popular smartphone OS. Join with them as they examine the latest issues in the Android ecosystem around app monetisation and discoverability in the Android App Market.
Aston Martin unveil Android phone
- Super User 0 Comments
Aston Martin - yes, that Aston Martin of James Bond fame - have announced the Aspire, a stylish gold/silver/black/white/rose gold Android 2.3 handset any secret agent would be proud of. Unfortunately for the rest of us, the $1,290 price tag for the basic models (rising to $1,590 when 24K gold is used in the cases) makes it live up to that Aspire name admirably.
There's a 3.2 inch HVGA display, WiFi, 3G, front and rear cameras and sports a MicroSD card slot for expansion.
Initially launched in Hong Kong, this is sure to have fans both shaken and stirred ;-)
